IFD teaches fire safety and prevention at Central Christian Church

The children at the Central Christian Church daycare learned about fire safety and prevention from the Ironton Fire Department Tuesday morning, taking in tips about smoke detectors and the proper procedures to follow when a fire occurs at home.

“This time of year we go to all the kindergartens, preschools, elementary schools and daycares throughout the county,” Lt. Joe Stevens, of the Ironton Fire Department, said. “At this age, we try to get kids to start thinking about fire safety.”

The children began the day watching a video on what to do if a fire occurs, such as having a plan if there is a house fire, going to a neighbor’s house to call 911, not to hide and go outside, how to stop, drop and roll if their clothes catch on fire and more.

In order for the children to see what firefighters look like in full gear, Zack Kriebel demonstrated getting into full gear and shook each child’s hand to let the children know not to be afraid if they encounter a firefighter during a fire.

“A lot of the kids are afraid of us at this age,” Stevens said. “That’s what the shaking hands is all about. We don’t want them to be afraid of us.”

The children were then quizzed on the video before heading outside to see the inside of a fire truck and how it works to stop fires.

“We like to get out and get into schools and get the message out to kids,” Stevens said.